3 good reasons to study Diagnostic Radiography at Salford:

We have excellent facilities including X-ray rooms and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging suite

Key Information

Course Code:
B821Start Dates:
September
Duration:

Three years full-time

Course Summary

Radiographers use complex and specialised X-ray and imaging equipment to produce high quality images of different parts of the body to help diagnose illness and trauma. Professionals in this field advise doctors about diagnosis or the best tests to perform for a large range of patients, so radiography carries high levels of responsibility within the clinical environment. As a diagnostic radiographer, you will need to be confident in providing a specialised service to patients, while showing them care and empathy.

The NHS Constitution is at the heart of our recruitment and selection process for students applying to become health care professionals.

Course Details

The course supports your progression as a learner and a developing practitioner. You will develop communication and team-working skills and be able to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding required to undertake diagnostic imaging.

Our three-year course includes a range of topics such as anatomy and physiology, radiographic science, radiographic technique, IT, and professionalism. As an active research department research is integrated throughout the course.

The course runs across six semesters with between two and four modules per semester

Year 2

Develop the relevant knowledge to undertake supervised safe practice in radiographic examinations and interventions of the cardiovascular and renal system, and to compare and contrast published literature in this area.

Critically evaluate Health and Social Care Services in the context of current government policy, and with a focus on the service received by the client, from the multidisciplinary team. Reflect on professional development and prepare for employment.

Entry Requirements

Qualification

Entry requirements

Access to HE

60 credits, 45 at level 3, 30 at distinction

GCSE

Five grades A-B including maths, English and science

UCAS tariff points

300 points from three A2s (BBB) including at least one science

GCE A level

BBB including one science subject

BTEC National Diploma

DDM Applied Science (biology and physics)

Scottish Highers

300 points

Irish Leaving Certificate

300 points

International Baccalaureate

26

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

English Language Requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 (no element below 6.0) is proof of this.

Applicant profile

We are looking for students with an interest in science and technology. You will have good communication skills and a caring nature. The course is taught using problem-based learning and includes group work. Good interpersonal skills and being able to contribute to group discussions is essential.

Entry to the course is highly competitive with approximately 1 place per 10 applicants. The decision process for invitation to interview is based on academic achievement (or predicted achievement) and personal statement. Within your personal statement you should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the radiographer. The interview consists of one to one and group interviews and applicants are assessed on their knowledge and interpersonal skills.

As part of the admissions procedure you are required to spend one day at an X-ray department. You can download our Clinical Visits form from our website. This should then be submitted to the admissions tutor.

We have a history of accepting people with a wide range of qualifications and the list above is not exhaustive. If your qualification is not on the list or more information/clarification is required regarding.

Please contact either the Central Admissions Unit or come along to one of our Open Days and speak to an admissions tutors.

If your qualifications are more than 5 years old then you would not normally be considered. However you may qualify for Accreditation of Prior Learning which would enable you to apply for the degree course.

Please contact the admissions tutor to discuss your options.

Teaching

You will be allocated to one of our placement hospitals and this is where you will gain the majority of your clinical experience throughout the course. There will be opportunities for shorter placements at other hospitals for additional experience in special interest areas.

Over the three years 50% of your time will be spent at your placement. You will stay at the same placement for the full three years. We work closely with all our placement site Trusts to ensure that the course fully prepares you.

The course is delivered using problem-based learning (PBL). You will be given ‘triggers’ to each problem, such as patient scenarios, which mirror everyday practice for radiographers. Solving the problem brings together all the relevant topic areas within a clinical context. This allows you to develop self-directed learning skills that can be used throughout your professional career.

Assessment

Clinical skills are continuously assessed with summative assessments at key stages of the course. Academic skills are assessed at the end of each semester, using a range of assessment techniques including

Assignments

Written exams

Clinical exams

Presentations

Article critique

Feedback is given at timely intervals.

Employability

When you complete the degree you will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified diagnostic radiographer, which allows you to work in the NHS, the private sector and many countries abroad.

There are also opportunities in education, industry and research.

Career Prospects

When you complete the degree you will be eligible to register with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified diagnostic radiographer, which allows you to work in the NHS, the private sector and many countries abroad.

You will be able to further your career and work in a number of different settings, for example, children's hospitals, casualty departments or hospitals dedicated to heart problems. You could become an advanced or consultant practitioner.

Graduates are also able to apply for membership with the Society and College of Radiographers.

If you decide to pursue further studies, we offer a range of postgraduate Masters degrees and short courses for continuing professional development.

Links with Industry

The directorate has a close working relationship with several companies including Wolverson, Toshiba Medical Systems and Cooke Medical. We also have strong partnerships with the NHS which means your learning is current and relevant to practice. The majority of your clinical placement will be within the NHS.

All students studying single modules, or PgCerts can build on these to develop their award further into a PgDip or MSc. Study undertaken at other institutions can also be accredited towards a University of Salford award.

In addition to that above combinations, the flexibility of our modules means we can support a wide range of other specialties and advancing practice including, Cardiac Stress, HSGs, Breast intervention and ultrasound, line placements, GI applications and reporting.

Fees and Funding

Fees 2015-16

If you are a UK or EU resident, and have home student status, you will have your tuition fees paid for you. You may also qualify for a means-tested bursary to help with living expenses

Part-time

N/A

Full-time International

£13,050

Students will be expected to pay approximately £30 for health clearance from their GP. Please note, the charge for health clearance is at the discretion of your GP and can range from £0 to £120. In addition, students may incur other expenses during placements. Students may chose to undertake an ERASMUS exchange to Finland or Norway at an additional cost of £1000, however this is optional. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year.

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Facilities

At Salford we have some of the best imaging facilities in the country. We are one of very few universities in the UK which has a 16-slice CT scanner.

You will use our x-ray equipment during your first academic block and throughout the course to help you prepare you for clinical practice and to develop your skills as a Diagnostic Radiographer

As well as x-ray and CT we also have a dedicated ultrasound suite. Whilst ultrasound is taught at postgraduate level, as an undergraduate student you will get an introduction to the role ultrasound has as an imaging modality.